October 5, 2005

    The theme of President Mubarak's speech was Egypt's move from the phase of liberation of its occupied lands to that of liberalizing political life and the country's national economy.

    In his keynote address, the President said the post-October march had placed Egypt on the proper path, and constituted an ambitious turning point towards a better future. Egypt is ready to embark on this new phase on the basis of the achievements accomplished over the past years, the President said.

    The September 7 multi-candidate presidential elections have laid the cornerstone of this fresh phase, the president noted, saying that his electoral platform has clearly emphasized the landmarks of the new ambitious phase.

    The President greeted the war martyrs who had sacrificed their lives to liberate their country, to restore its dignity and pride.

    He expressed heartfelt gratitude to late president Anwar Sadat who had taken the decision to go to war and later championed the country's move to peace.

    October victory was a turning point in the history of our nation, marking the end of an era and the launch of another.

    Our triumph helped us restore self-confidence and overcome years of defeat, and we were able to embark on a giant national development plan. We would have achieved nothing had Sinai remained under occupation.

    The victory and the liberation of our lands helped us liberalise our political life and national economy and lay down the institutional and legal framework that was necessary to build the solid and democratic structure of our nation, he said.

    The October victory also assisted us in setting up the basic foundation for building a modern economy that is open to the world, he said.

    We surpassed our defeat and were able to start a sustained, fully-integrated and comprehensive development process, Mubarak said.

    "Together we made great achievements in all fields of production and services and together we pressed ahead in our political, economic and social reform march. Together we fought and are still fighting against terrorism and fanaticism and working on the development and modernization of our armed forces. And together we stood in support of our Arab nation cause of honour and courage," he said.

    "We could not have achieved all of that and more had it not been for the 1973 October victory and had it not been for bravery of all members of the armed forces and the sacrifices of the great people of Egypt who challenged defeat and, with a mighty will, crossed to victory.

    The post-October victory has ushered in a new era that will witness the fulfillment of Egypt's ambitious moves towards a better future, building on the achievements made over the past years, President Mubarak said.

    On the forthcoming parliamentary elections, he predicted that they would take the country another step forward, bringing forth a new parliament that would undertake immense responsibilities in this important juncture in Egypt's march to the future.

    Together, he said, we will take confident steps towards the new era. "Through our combined efforts and our common ambitions and aspirations, we will come up with bold and creative solutions to all problems. And, with an unshakable faith we will face all challenges. October spirit had inspired us in the past era and would continue to inspire use in the coming one, Mubarak said.

    My confidence and faith in the capabilities and strength of this nation do not come from nowhere because "I personally have witnessed how those great people of Egypt can make miracles". "We will proceed in this new era facing challenges and making our hopes and aspirations come true," Mubarak said.

    He promised to continue developing and modernising the Egyptian army, Egypt's deterring force against the enemies and its shield of peace.

    The President also pledged commitment to serve Egypt's national interests, to bolster up the Arab nation's causes and to contribute to peace and stability of the region.